North Providence students get engaged to live in the moment

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Walking into Stephen Olney Elementary School Wednesday morning, you could hear the children’s “mindfulness” activities far before entering the gymnasium.

Giggles erupted, as the students took yoga poses, learned how to dance, and practiced balancing on blocks.

The day long event, funded by the Fuel Up To Play 60 grant the school department won, sought to teach children ways to calm down and live in the moment, said Principal Janine Napolitano

“We’re now an urban community and we have to adapt to meet those needs,” she said. “Our families are in different circumstances than before.”

Students rotated through stations with physical activities - including yoga, dance and core exercises. And, used the walls of the school as canvas to set their own intentions for the year. They sang songs about kindness, and read books about meditating.

Kylie Lapierre, 8, said she liked the day of slowing down. Her intention, drawn on the cinderblock with purple and pink markers, is: “Don’t be someone you’re not!”

Physical Education Teacher Nathan Dell, a member of the wellness committee that helped organize the festivities, said the children were “focusing on paying attention to our bodies.”

“It’s chaos in here, but it’s a very controlled chaos,” Dell said.

The students in the gymnasium ended their session with meditation, led by Christina Pirolli, a kindergarten teacher and certified yoga instructor.

After it was complete, Napolitano reminded the students to use these techniques when they are worried our stressed.

“Or when the Patriots lose!” one boy piped up.

jtempera@providencejournal.com 401-277-7121 On Twitter: @jacktemp

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